Longtime environmental group attacks Holden in new ad

The 43-year-old League of Conservation Voters, known for scoring lawmakers on their environmental records, announced Tuesday it has purchased $230,000 in ads to air in the 17th district against incumbent Democrat Tim Holden.

It is the only Democratic primary race this cycle that the LCV is actively trying to defeat a sitting Democratic congressman, Mike Palamuso, spokesman for the organization said.

"We've been highly disappointed in his voting record for a while and he's been on our radar," Palamuso said. "Rep. Holden is very vulnerable and this was an opportunity."

The 30-second spot, running on broadcast and cable in the Scranton media market ahead of the April 24 primary, compares Holden to formerPresidentGeorge W. Bush on energy policy.

"Congressman Tim Holden voted for Bush’s energy plan that gave billions in taxpayer subsidies to big oil companies," a voiceover says black and white images of Bush and Holden. "But Congressman Holden voted against President Obama’s plan to increase funding for clean energy."

The LCV scored Holden 43 percent in 2011. He has a 57 percent lifetime score, which, according to the organization, is the sixth worst record of current Democratic House members.

The Blue Dog Democrat, who voted in 2010 against the health care law, is facing a tough primary challenge from the left from attorney Matt Cartwright in a newly redrawn district that is more Democratic than the one he represented for the last decade. About 80 percent of the district, which includes Easton and parts of Northampton County, is new turf for Holden.

Holden's campaign did not immediately return calls for comment.

Holden is also being targeted by liberal groups, including the Blue America PAC and MoveOn.org.

Holden raised $911,813 for his re-election bid, topping challenger Matt Cartwright’s $707,043. Holden has spent $800,411 in his campaign for an 11th term. Cartwright spent $428,032. He loaned himself $380,000.